New Zealand Gold Prospecting & Metal Detecting Forums Archive

So I think we're finally seeing progress of a sort. Light on detail as to how things will be done but at least it differentiates between different scales of activity. I presume that detail will come later in the form of Regulations or perhaps even in Minerals Programmes. Still has to run the gauntlet of the naysayers and those who'd like to see NZ ruined (Maori and the environment lobby come to mind) but a step in the right direction.

Edited by user Tuesday, 25 September 2012 2:48:40 AM(UTC)  | Reason: Not specified

I deal with Maori organisations quite frequently and encounter a range of attitudes. I represent clients who engage with Maori with a genuine willingness to adapt and modify their proposals to address Maori views and needs. Whilst on rare occasions the organisations representing Maori are pragmatic, unfortunately the majority are anything but.

I'm absolutely sick and tired of legislation (CMA, RMA and Conservation Act to name but a few) that places the asserted rights of one very small minority of people who reside in New Zealand over that of the collective well being and prosperity of all who call NZ home.

The simple truth is that dealing with Maori is generally an expensive, time consuming and frustrating process. The fact that consultation with Maori is enshrined in so much of our legislation, means that investors comparing projects here and in Australia often choose the later because of the costs of getting anything off the ground here by the time you manage to appease all the naysayers.

The collective wealth of our nation is being thrown away as we strive to be treaty apologists. If we continue at the rate we're going they'll be nothing left...it'll all be owned by the bloody Chinese.

If we are to stand any chance of getting this country moving in the right direction (by that I mean everyone has a job, those in genuine need are looked after, and people generally live long fulfilling lives) then we need to remove any reference to Maoridom from legislation and instead require consultation and engagement with individuals/groups/communities on merit. If that should happen to include Maori for a particular project then well and good.